Aside from the bedrooms, the living room is by far the most UNDERdecorated space in the Lodge. While the much larger kitchen/dining space on the other side of the fireplace is pretty well taken care of, this side is looking pretty sparse. Pretty dull. Pretty blah.

Translation: Help me? Please?

From the hallway looking out into the main part of the house, it’s looking pretty good. I’ll be moving that black/tiled piece of art to another location; it’s just parked there for the time being.

But take a few steps forward and turn to the left…and it’s a little bit (i.e. very) drab.

I knew this was an area we’d need to tackle soon, but I’ve been putting it off for a very good reason: I’m completely uninspired when I look at this space. Honestly, I’ve tried…but I couldn’t have fewer ideas for this space if my brain were missing from my skull.

Here it is from the opposite side of the room.

Let me fill you in on a couple of things.

The chair on the other side of the room is new, and up close, it’s really delicious: the leather is weathered and soft, and it’s as comfortable as it can be. I ordered a second one, so that’s coming. The piece of furniture closest to me is also new—Marlboro Man sat in it and instantly fell in love…but unfortunately, it smells like a cow’s bottom.

I’m just being honest. And Marlboro Man and I are pretty easygoing and non-picky when it comes to things like this. But when you sit in a chair and it smells like the inside of a cow’s intestinal tract…well, let’s just say the furniture store was very nice and said they’d be glad to exchange it for something else.

The lamp with the “X” is going away—it was just a spare from my house that I threw in there the night we watched the UFC fight.

The question mark on the walls signifies my utter cluelessness as to what to do there.

What would you do in this space?

I’ve read a handful of suggestions from people who say, “Get the furniture away from the wall!” I’ve never heard of this concept. Please explain.

And then…would all of you please decorate this space for me? What goes on the wall? Photographs? If so, how large? How many? What arrangement? Once the cow bottom chair is gone and the matching new chair arrives, what do we need to achieve a good looking/functional furniture arrangement? The leather furniture is more for durability (ranch=stains) than anything else, but how do you wake up leather furniture and add some color? Color is sorely missing from the equation.

armymamma On Tuesday, January 20 at 11:58 am

Alisha in Oregon On Tuesday, January 20 at 11:58 am

i think you should get some pictures and make them all black and white. get some nice big black frames and put them up on that wall in a “random” but organized way. good luck!

6

KatieInOKC On Tuesday, January 20 at 11:59 am

Ree
I just looked at your favorite photos. Why buy someone else’s art when yours is so beautiful? The picture of the horses is so incredible it almost looks like a painting. I’ve always loved framed photos as wall art and all your ranch photos would be perfect in the Lodge. You can make your room cozier by angling the furniture in more of a square, although if you’re like us, you plan around the TV which I see up on the wall?

7

Debbie On Tuesday, January 20 at 11:59 am

Put pictures of the punks and their cousins up that you just took and arrange in a collage of frames.

8

Cathy On Tuesday, January 20 at 11:59 am

You need some throw pillows with some color and I think photos in matching frames–several–in an arrangement over the back of the sofa would be nice.

9

Robin in Washington On Tuesday, January 20 at 11:59 am

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Lauren H. On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:00 pm

page 1!!!! yeah! I am in the same deorating slump. Can’t wait to hear what people come up with!

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tracey On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:00 pm

Get an ariel view (picture) of the ranch. Frame it and place over the couch. My parents had one of our farm and it was spectacular

Move the furniture away from the wall, angle it. Spike in a color other than brown. What occurs naturally on the ranch? You want rustic but bright for that wall. Take the cowhide out from under the table….

Ree – you have so many fantastic photos of ranch life. With everything you’ve done at the Lodge, and everything you talked about in your “Why” post … I really think you should use those images and use them to decorate these walls. I can see some of your amazing images of the mustangs in winter – maybe 4 of them or so? – framed in a collage on the wall behind/above the sofa.

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Debbie On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:00 pm

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Alisha in Oregon On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:01 pm

I had something to say… but didn’t say it…
anyway… if it were MY lodge, I would have a few of YOUR pictures, (three, in BIG BLACK SQUARE frames) above the leather couch.. actually, I would move the couch, away from the wall, how much space is between the wall and the fireplace?

I would hang a beautiful, vintage handmade quilt on the wall. It would warm up the space, act as a sound absorber and fit in to the general decorating scheme. AND you could get lots of shots of colour in the quilt. I kinda like the furniture grouping as it is!

17

Kristin On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:01 pm

Pull the sofa out far enough to put a sofa table behind with 2 buffet lamps. Put oversized, brightly colored art on the wall – perhaps a gorgeous OK landscape or impending thunderstorm photo. Break up the brown with a easy chair covered in a printed tapestry/fabric/indian blanket. How about a ficus tree by the window? Some sort of living plant would be nice. How about some brightly colored kilim pillows on the couch? How about some brightly colored floor cushions for overflow seating? Wow – I’m really rambling. Maybe there’s a good idea here somewhere.

I agree that if you placed the furniture near the fireplace, it’d be super cozy. Not sure what you’d do behind it, though.

19

Robin in Washington On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:02 pm

I’m no decorator, but pillows on the leather furniture would help bring interest into the room. When you showed the tile artwork I thought that would look good on the wall. Photographs of your wild horses would look really cool on that wall.

As for color, you could just whip yourself together a knitted or crocheted afghan. Right? You have the time for that, right?

25

Becker On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:02 pm

Closest to the top I have ever been. BW pictures of your surroundings since they are absolutely gorgeous.

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Barbara On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:03 pm

It screams for a piece of art and the perfect thing would be one of your beautiful photos, blown up. Anything with color, like that gorgeous macro flower you showed us the other day, or the two cows, (perfect) against the green green grass. or that gorgeous dragonfly. I think definitely don’t be shy. Hang your art up in your house. It’s wonderful!

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Alisha in Oregon On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:03 pm

ooh, and as for color… I would deffinatly use a couple throws, maybe some rust color… or even more orange.

This is what I did with the wall in my dining room that was bare and dull and uninspired. I know you’ve got the moolah, but I just bought a ton of interesting thrift store picture frames and spray painted them all in a matching chocolate brown… then threw some of my favorite family photos in them. It was a pretty simple project, and you pictures are so lovely, I’m sure you could do something GREAT!

I agree that moving the furniture out would be a good idea. Start with the couch since it is your largest piece, move it towards the fireplace with enough room for two people to pass behind it OR rotate it so that it runs from the fireplace to the wall. New lighting will help to. The idea is to create a conversation place that focuses on the fireplace and is good fo viewing the tv (or easily changed for that purpose.)

It’s a wonderfully large space with a huge wall to work with. Something with texture would be good on the wall. I’d start looking at what you have and what you love, find something that looks similar and is either big enough to fill some space or buy in multiples and group.

Some photos would be good to, your “look what I found in the attic” style photos with some great frames would look wonderful with everything else you have going on in the lodge.

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Ginger Small On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:04 pm

I totally agree with the woman who said to get the hide out from under the coffee table. Definitely add color with pillows for the couch, and use your great photos for pics on the wall.

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Rebecca On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:04 pm

I like the ideas others have shared with photos. You could use all different types of frames, different colors, etc. Make some real large, keep others smaller. You could scatter them, hanging them directly on the wall, OR, hang a couple or real long shelves (something simple, matching the wood of the coffee table), at a couple different levels, and set the fames on those. Another idea would be to hang a large, beautiful quilt on the wall-if you’re into that kind of stuff. I know not everyone likes that stuff, it’s just an idea.

33

Nancy On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:04 pm

Because that space is pretty narrow, I think I’d go with a large mirror over the couch. I also like the idea of putting up some of your own photographs… could be incorporated with the mirror idea. And the couch could use a bright colored throw, perhaps… something warm to snuggle under while watching that awesome t.v.

Definitely frame the horse photo like the other commentor/commenter … whatever … said. That’s a great idea. And as for color, I’d love to see some burnt orange! throw pillows, blankets, mattes for your photos … do some of that in orange. Or maybe a really nice green … that could work too. Also, you have totally neglected the fireplace which should be (and is because of the stone) a feature … set stuff – colored stuff – on the mantle or near the hearth. Tall vases or sculpture or something.

Looks really beautiful though. Even bare, its beautiful.

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stephanie On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:05 pm

I think you should (ie. your hired help) create a huge long frame from old barn wood, that’s been sanding down, but still looks rustic would be a great start. Then, as others suggested, popping a photo you’ve taken, maybe a panoramic of the view out at the ranch??

Also, I agree with comments 17 & 27… do the lamps on a skinny table behind the couch and add in some oranges in pillows and throws!!

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Christy On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:05 pm

I think the wall would look great with some of your favorite ranch photographs framed. You obviously have some delicious shots of what’s most precious to you, why not fill up the lodge with your own photos? Add some colorful frames, red, purple, to b&w shots for some boost that you’re needing.

Whoa Nelly! Can’t believe I’m this low on the comment totem pole! I know you didn’t ask this…but I think you should get a sectional for that area. It looks like it is the tv area…lounging area. And of course, all of the photo ideas make sense.

Hey, and while I’m here…how about a gluten-free cooking retreat! It would really help with celiac disease / gluten-intolerance/ autism diet (gf/cf) awareness. If you ever need any help, just holla.http://www.celiacchicks.com

I would put 3 huge format COLOR photos on the wall and get a larger rug. The cow rug is just too small for your space. I think color photos would add interest and that B&W or sepia photos would just sort of fade away.

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Manisha On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:05 pm

How about some plants, instead of the lamp? There seems to be plenty of sunlight…
What fun!
Manisha

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Wendy On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:05 pm

one word…..plants!! I love dark green plants – big ones on the floor, hanging plants, etc. I would also add candles (I know you have a fireplace, but the candles really warm up a room). I’d put big rustic candle holders on the fireplace ledge? It is a beautiful lodge and you’ve given me many inspirations!

42

Cheryl On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:05 pm

Use all the wonderful photographs of your life! ..large pictures of the cows, the horses, the kids etc.. in assorted sepia tones that would coordinate with the furniture, but remain background, not overwhelming. I would not frame them, but mount them in assorted sizes and possibly overlapping edges – as a collection, not as individual photos.

If you look around a little you can find Native American blankets also. Perhaps the Indians that roamed your land are represented in a blanket.
Or the bucking broncs are fun too.

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Marianne On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:05 pm

I have also heard to move the furniture away from the wall, I would suggest a sofa table (I think that’s what it’s called) put it between the sofa and the wall, then you can put a lamp on it? Maybe some pictures, and I agree with another reader that said to print off some of your favorite photos of the ranch and put those up there, someone person, but also with some color. Maybe a few colorful throws and/or pillows?

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Kathy On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:06 pm

What you need is a large MIRROR on that wall. It will open up the room. Don’t worry about moving the furniture. What you could do is put a nice rustic colored throw on the couch or rustic colored pillows. Love the entire lodge and I wish I could cook there.

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Laura On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:06 pm

I would get a large copper glazed (some sort of lightweight metal) of your wild horses (a small herd like one of your pics) running.

Hilary On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:06 pm

I think you should use your own photography….it’s so beautiful. I’d keep them in color though and then use those colors as your clues as to what color throw pillows and more importantly throw blankets you should get. I just love a nice blanket when hanging out in front of the fire or tv.

Uppercase Living!!! You can create your own custom expression (phrase) in whatever color you like!

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Lisa On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:07 pm

Well……..I definitely think you need something not square above the sofa……..since there is so much uniformity with the wood/stone/windows, etc……….I would do something with an odd shape to it. Also…….you could pull that couch away from the wall and put a table behind it with a lamp, which will also help with the blank wall feel. Just some ideas………if I think of more, I’ll add later……..beautiful leather for sure though! Love it!

Amanda G. On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:08 pm

I agree that your beautiful photo art should adorn that back wall. I saw some great barn wood style frames at Michael’s a few months back.
If you were looking for something else, Bernie Brown has some great farm/ranch inspired pencil sketches with reasonable pricing. I think his site is berniebrown dot com.

I think the lodge is just beautiful! I am so green with envy over your fabulous kitchen!

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Katie On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:08 pm

I think you should put some of your photos of the Mustangs up behind the couch. You could enlarge a couple or do a really large one, matted and framed. Also, I think your furniture is spread out to far. Bring it in a little closer to each other and it will feel more cozy. A couple of end tables on either side of the couch would be nice too. Also, a larger rug would pull the space together and could bring in some color. Then you could pull some color from the rug with throw pillows on the chairs/couch. Instant cozy living room!

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Betty-Ann On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:08 pm

Have you seen the wall decor that is basically peel and stick words and phrases…things like “Family” and a definition. They come in different colors, like chocolate or black. I’ve seen this kind of thing work really well with several framed photos arranged under and around. You could also use a nice soft, luxurious throw on the couch or chair to soften the space!
Good luck!!!
BA

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Lorissa H. On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:08 pm

An oversized photo of your cows or horses on the wall, some urns in the corner, some throw pillows on the couch.

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Susie T On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:08 pm

I love the quilt idea and am sad that I didn’t get to be the first to suggest it. You need a warming textile in there. Pull colors from the quilt as accent pillows. How about larger lamps to fit the scale of the area? What about a couple of throws?

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karen On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:08 pm

I would get another couch and have the two couches in front of the fireplace on either side with the table in the middle. That’ll change the flow pattern and give the room some definition and also create a cozier atmosphere.

annmarie On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:08 pm

Oh my goodness, you have so many awesome photos. Why wouldn’t you use some of those over the couch? As for moving the furniture away from the wall, I’m assuming it’s there because of the tv, so leave it there. Also, it gives a good view of the fireplace. Maybe you could get some colorful blankets for the couches and chairs. I’m scared of too much color, a total wimp, so I sort of like the sparseness. But I’m sure some of your more colorful photos would do wonders. Cut out paper the same size as the photos you’ll hang and then place them on the wall with tape and arrange till you get the look you like.

EnglishLass On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:09 pm

Don’t despair PW! With all these people who love you, you’ll have your space looking spiffy in no time! Here are my thoughts: Use a much larger area rug to define the space. Make it cover almost the entire area with about a foot of clearance on the wall and fireplace side. Add throw pillow, some smaller for the sofa and a few large to sit of in front of the fire. A red/brown blanket would be nice too.

For the wall, send one of your favorite photos (maybe the pond?) to Canvas on Demand and get a large sofa sized canvas wrapped print. How about some wall sconces on either side of the large print? Maybe some more track lighting on that beam that crosses from the fireplace to the wall.

I can’t wait to see what you decide to do!!!

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Angela On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:09 pm

The print chairs need something more, a small table between the two, perhaps an ottoman or two so the space is more user friendly. A picture on the small wall that you see when you look down the room (opposite the side of the fireplace). Definitely add some cushions for color, and perhaps a cozy throw or two. Also a side table ot two along with the coffee table, maybe in metal to break up the brown.

My first thought was some of your photos, framed of course. But then I thought you might not want to see them ALL the time. Then I thought you could just rotate them, which is what my grandmother did with her paintings – just shift them around every once in a while to shake things up a bit.

But I also believe a lovely, earthy quilt would look nice there. There are some modern ones that almost take on a watercolour look.

But then I came to the conclusion that maybe a beautiful, big richly coloured oil painting would look fabulous there.

And yes, you should pull the furniture out a big and make it into a conversational “square” configuration. The whole space kind of looks long and narrow, and that would help define it and make it a bit more cosy.

I agree a nice big 24×36 ish wall hanging, maby printed on a gallery wrap canvas, the one that you showed the other day with the horses…. that is what I see above the couch. It really would fit very well in your lodge. I know you have a bunch of images to choose from of the pastures around your home. you could also do three smaller images over the couch say

Some nice throw pillows on the couch to bring in some color and patterns, but I wouldn’t go w/ anything to bright, maybe a couple of throw blankets. some nice side tables next to the two side chairs.

I think the chairs need to be paired by the lamps or a lamp table with a big green plant next to the chair as a reading/story telling area, so that the lamp is not so far from the arm chairs. As for the wall, a blown up picture of the first family dinner at the lodge. I’m sure you took a group picture somewhere with all the photos you took. Then continue the wall with smaller photos of family gatherings so you, the kids, the grandkids, can reflect the changes and growth of the family.

I think some deep reds and golds would look great with that furniture. Throws and pillows, a cofeetable book with bright photos, maybe some kind of stalky-type flowers/grasses in a rustic looking container that can stand on the floor somewhere. I’m kind of random when it comes to decorating. If I like it I use it. Actually, eclectic sounds nicer and more put-together. You’ve done a nice job, so I’m sure whatever you decide to do here will look great.

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Lauren On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:09 pm

BRIGHT ORANGE THROW PILLOWS. There, i said it.

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Mary Ann On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:10 pm

Throw pillows= color+ trimed in animal prints.
Your photos on the walls….yes…the horses….cows…kids…dogs…framed in black. Huge collage of your great photos.
Pull the sofa away from the wall….’L’ to the fireplace,facing the windows, put the the coffe table in front…chairs opposite….
Try it …can’t hurt.

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Rhonda in Oklahoma On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:10 pm

Thanks for asking for ideas! What a challenge.

Just my thoughts — that space looks kind of long, in a way that’s paralell to the wall. I think that’s why some say get the furniture away from the wall, it just furthers the “narrow” feeling. To chop that up, I’d suggest some small kind of furniture next to the wall, with perhaps a photo group or one large, excellent painting above it. For furniture, I’d arrange it “face to face” across from each other in front of the fireplace perhaps. Not necessarily “straight on” face-to-face,” but maybe with a slight angle opening towards the fireplace. Maybe the couch on one side, and the chairs with a lamp or table between them on the other side. Somehow leave some space around the furniture for people to walk through or by. MAYBE a small table in the middle of it all. I like the cowhides there! You’ll have to be careful what you do with the wall, so it doesn’t look too “cluttered” once you put something on it. That was my reasoning on a nice group of photos, or a good painting. Then the eye would be drawn to that, and not wandering too much to a bunch of other stuff.

You could add color with paintings or photos, pillows, throws, books, etc.

Happy decorating, and thanks again, Ree, for asking for input. It’s fun to think and dish out ideas! I’m glad the store will trade for that “smelly chair.” LOL

stephanie On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:10 pm

sheryl from IL On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:10 pm

The furniture is lining the walls. Get it out into the room in a grouping.Better for conversaton. Add plants and trees. You have lots of beautiful light . Or even good fake ones. Costly but sure easy to care for. Then add your you favorite photos. Bigger the better.

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Lucy On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:10 pm

There are people all across the country who would die to have some of your photography on display. So, that’s a no brainer.

I love your wood floors, but I’d anchor that area with a tasteful southwestern rug for warmth and color.

It screams for some bookshelves too. The binds of books always add color and interest.

Laura S On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:10 pm

I think that three square framed prints (pics that you have taken of the ranch) would look great over the couch. Add some throw pillows in fabric to soften up the look of the leather. Something washable, if possible, since stains are a mainstay on the ranch. They’d be great for taking a nap on too.

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Sara On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:10 pm

Get another couch and put them facing each other on the sides of the fireplace. I LOVE that look and it’s wonderful to sit there with a fire going.

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Amber On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:10 pm

The TV looks uncomfortable to watch up that high. I think I’d get a crick in my neck.

I’d rethink the overall room layout and make a cozy seating area around the fireplace and a separate TV area somewhere else. Maybe put dining seating by The Window; and hang the TV on the wall where the 4 square pictures hang? I’m not sure enough of the layout to know that this would work.

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Heidi R. On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:10 pm

I would throw one of your cowhides up on the wall and I agree with pulling th e couch out and putting a table behind it with plants etc Although your photos would also look awesome too.

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becky from Arkansas On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:11 pm

I agree with some of the other comments about hanging some of your beautiful photos up there. I think a collection of your family in black and white would look great! I also think it needs some color. Maybe a beautiful throw blanket and some colorful pillows. I also think pulling the furniture away from the wall would look good too. I saw on a decorating show once, that you don’t want all of your furniture “hugging the walls”. I think just pulling it all in closer to the fireplace might make a more intimate area, but it might also make it too close to the t.v. too. Maybe just try pulling the chairs in closer to the couch. I also think adding some sort of window treatment will help warm the area up too. I hope this helps some! Can’t wait to see what you do!

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Dottie On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:11 pm

move the couch out from the wall….put a couch table behind it….place some framed photos on the table….as for the wall Put a big picture of some of your photography that you have done! and finally use some colored throw pillows or a colorful throw blanket can be draped over the back of the couch…….hope this helps u a little…..

#17 Kristin – I agree! Add a larger rug to lie under most of the furniture grouping, maybe something that looks Native American Indian, as opposed to Asian Indian. Your photography is the place to start for art, but I also like the idea of hanging a quilt above the table behind the couch with the lamps. Frame your photos in the same kind of frames and put a couple of nice groupings on either side of the quilt in an interesting but not chaotic pattern. (Maybe take the quilt pattern as your inspiration.) This will give your extra seating pieces an anchor to the sofa area.

Definitely throw pillows and a throw blanket of some sort! That can add some much needed color! As far as that blank wall above the couch–I’d do a family wall–just a bunch of different shaped frames/pictures of family (or animals!)

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Arbeepa On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:11 pm

How about a beautiful western blanket or rug hanging on the wall behind the sofa. That would fill up that large space, add some color to the room and retain the “ranchiness” feel of the lodge. Seems to me I remember that someone in your family is a fair-to-middlin’ photographer. Why not frame some of that person’s photos and hang as a collection (instead of single photos) on some walls.

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corrie On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:12 pm

Reposition the cow hide out from under the table.

Move the couch out from the wall and on one side or the other of the fireplace, put the two chairs in front of the fireplace towards the wall.

Don’t try to make everything too big… so when it comes to artwork, don’t think you have to match the big fireplace, big tv and big furniture.

Bring in color by putting a rug in.. this will make the cow hides stand out and not put down everywhere.

The wall across from the fireplace could use something, but flat art won’t do it. Think of more architectural pieces … an old ladder w/indian blankets, or wooden signage maybe.

Woo hoo! this was fun!

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Katie On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:12 pm

I’m all about depth on a wall, put up some pics (yours of course!!!) AND some shelves displaying some of your favorite things., add some interest. The deer heads over the open shelves in the kitchen are fabulous, they draw your eye immediately…that’s the kind of depth I’m talkin’ about:)

Hi Ree, it looks great but I would make it less aligned, & would move the chairs more on the sides to close the room a little bit. For artwork your photos would work fantastically, two or three large one & a few groups of smaller ones put together by theme for instance. So there are several points of focus.
Also side tables would add something & table lamps too.
Finally I would move the coffee table a little closer to the fireplace. Leaving a bit of room behind the couch & side tables & lamps would make the room a little more square & cozy.
I’m crazy about decoration, I guess it shows. Your mustang horses photos would look great there too, but it’s your lodge so it’s you pick :o)
I hope it helps a little, love

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Paula from NS Canada On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:12 pm

Accessories is what your spot needs!!! That big wall behind the sofa NEEDS a BIG picture or a great collection of pictures. Throws, on the sofa or a big basket of rolled up bankets in it. The fireplace needs maybe a few basketsa with some logs in them or some big chunky candles sitting there. On the side of the fireplace you could put a couple cushions….it just kinda looks bare. Under decorated as you said.

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Ann On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:12 pm

I think your pictures would be great. I also, like the idea of an arial picture of the entire ranch. Another idea would be to put your favorite or most splotchy cow hide on the wall.

In my opinion, you need to square off the furniture in that area. Meaning arrange seating at each end of the fire place to face each other, (to make a square area) make the area a conversation area, with a traffic area to be able to get in, by the fireplace on one end, and by the wall on the other end. Even arranging the furniture diagonally if that works helps a lot to break up the area and make it interesting.

On your wall I would arrange different artwork randomly, different colors, different frames, and different artwork, with-out the frames lining up.

As for adding color to the room, I’d do this by adding colored pillows, colored artwork, and colored lamps and shades, and maybe even a colorful natural type rug.

I wish I could figure out a better way to explain myself, but I hope you get what I’m saying lol. ;o)

Texnana On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:13 pm

Seems like a pretty narrow space, but if it were mine, I’d pull the sofa away from the wall just far enough to put a sofa table back there to hold some wonderful, leather-bound books, a tall vase of prairie grasses or interesting stems and a bronze of western something…cowboys or longhorns. For more color, hink about an Oriental-style rug in front of the fireplace. Lowe’s and Home Depot carry decent ones that won’t break the bank so that when they are trashed it won’t break your heart. I like the idea someone mentioned of a collection of your photos printed in sepia tones. Or, consider a mural painted directly on the wall. You could, perhaps, find a scene from around your ranch that you are particular to, and translate that to the wall. If you wanted to do that, and don’t know someone there who can do the work, I know someone in Ft. Worth who is good and inexpensive. E-mail me if you’d like more info.

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Anya On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:13 pm

Why don’t you frame and hang some of your own photography? It is really fabulous and would certainly fit in well with the theme. You could do a collage of sizes, orientations and different frames and sort of mimic the sloping shape of the ceiling?

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Jill Wait On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:13 pm

I agree that you should put some of your pictures up. I think back and white would be great. At first I thought about pics of your kids, but on second thought how about life on the ranch pics?

I think you should blow up some of your ‘naturey/ horse/ cow pics or flower pics and hang some of them. I would not blow up the cow nuts picture although that might be funny in a bathroom. So show off your photog skills and hang some photos of shot from around the farm.. The horses woud look pretty…

Ashley On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:13 pm

On the wall behind the couch, GIANT enlargements of your photos. Cows, horses or cowboys. In either b/w or sepia. That’s exactly what that room needs, I think.

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Julie in WA On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:14 pm

I think you need a big quilt hanging on that wall. It will add interest, warmth, and much needed color!

Put a few chairs facing the sofa, one on each side of the fireplace opening. If you want to watch the game or match or whatever it is that you watch on the big screen thing, just push the chairs around. Right now it looks like the focus of the room is the big screen.

100

Janel On Tuesday, January 20 at 12:14 pm

I think a canvas print of one of your photos would look really great on the wall. Maybe even a few of them. Shutterfly.com makes them in 16×20, 20×30 and 24×36. The canvas style might add a little bit of texture to the wall.